2008 Big 12 Basketball Preview

The Big 12 is a powerhouse that gave us last year’s national
champs—Kansas. This year, it’s doubtful that Kansas
can repeat but they, along with four or five other conference clubs,
will certainly compete in the Big Dance.

Texas seems to always be in the mix and senior guard A.J. Abrams,
junior forward Damion James and new recruit J’Covan Brown
will score plenty to ensure the Longhorns compete with the best
of the best.

Blake Griffin, Oklahoma’s senior forward, may be the best
player in the country and will lead this team to a top spot in the
Big 12. Freshman guard Willie Warren will be a difference maker.

The Kansas Jayhawks are not as good as they were last season but
they are still one of the best in the nation. Although only four
scholarship players are back, there are some fine new recruits.
Guard Sherron Collins is one of the best in the conference.

The backcourt for the Baylor Bears is deep, talented and skilled.
Senor guard Curtis Jerrells leads that squad while the frontcourt
is anchored by senor forward Kevin Rogers. Freshman Anthony Jones
can hit threes.

The Aggies of Texas A&M have a sound foundation in Donald Sloan,
Josh Carter and Bryan Davis. Freshman David Loubeau offers rebounding
and scoring skills. They should go to the Big Dance this year.

The Oklahoma State Cowboys, Missouri Tigers and Texas Tech Red
Raiders all look to be bound for the NIT. While Nebraska, Kansas
State, Iowa and Colorado will be hard-pressed to put in winning
seasons.

Expect Texas, Baylor and Oklahoma to battle it out for the conference
crown. Two of these three teams have the potential to go deep into
the NCAA Tournament but it’s doubtful than either will win
the national championship. Then again, in a one-game elimination
tournament anything is possible.